Yes Arts Team
Elle Travis
Executive Director
Elle Travis is a Frankfort native and graduate of Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, where she obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a major in Photography and Digital Imaging. In her early career while in Florida she worked as a freelance photographer, a full-time nanny, gymnastic coach and homeschool teacher. After a severe auto accident, Elle returned to her Frankfort home where she found recovery following addiction to prescription opioid pain medication. In 2008, Elle began to establish herself in the community by taking a position with the Kentucky Arts Council and working in IT sales with Pomeroy. In 2012, Elle followed her passion for working with children to become the Director of Children’s Ministries at First Christian Church, where she still serves today. She has served as the Store Manager at Completely Kentucky, a shop in downtown Frankfort carrying the work of 650+ Kentucky artists from 2014-2022. Elle previously served on the Board of Directors for the Franklin County Women and Family Shelter as the Fundraising/PR Chair and is now serving on the Board of Health for the Franklin County Health Department. Elle enjoys spending her free time with her devoted husband, Pete, and 2 boys, Rhys (7) and Lane (2). She continues her freelance work in photography, digital imaging, graphic design, and social media marketing in her spare time.
Janet Osborn
Art Therapist
Janet Osborn, MA, ATR-BC, LPAT
Board Certified Art Therapist (Nationally)
Licensed Practicing Art Therapist (Kentucky)
Janet has been practicing art therapy for over 30 years in a variety of settings including schools, clinics, nursing homes, VA hospitals and community centers. Although originally from the east coast, Janet has spent much of her life in Kentucky and presently lives in Frankfort where she has a private practice providing art therapy for children, teens and adults.
In addition to her training as an art therapist, Janet has received extensive training in sand tray therapy. She believes that through art making and/or sand play one can connect to the inner world of feelings, thoughts, and experiences. This process offers a unique perspective and helps create a pathway toward personal growth and healing.
Janet enjoys working with all ages in both individual sessions and group settings. She is dedicated to helping others connect to their own creative process in order to navigate the vast world of human experiences such as life transitions, grief, trauma, recovery, depression, and anxiety. Janet firmly believes in and completely trusts the creative process to heal, nurture, and promote overall wellbeing.
Amanda Dunn
Program Coordinator
Amanda Dunn, originally from Louisville, Kentucky, made a life-changing move to Frankfort in 2007 and has since woven herself into the fabric of the community. Her professional journey has been as diverse as it is inspiring, primarily within the realm of hospitality. Her roles have spanned from the creative world of a chef to managing the renowned Midway Bakery, where she contributed her culinary talents to the esteemed Ouita Michel until 2020.
In March of 2023, Amanda embarked on a new chapter, joining the Yes Arts organization as the Facility and Volunteer Coordinator. This role embodies her deep-rooted desire to serve and make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals within the community.
Amanda's personal journey has been marked by a commitment to recovery since 2008. Her experiences have enabled her to work closely with numerous women, guiding them along their paths to recovery through various approaches. Her life is a testament to the power of resilience, compassion, and the beauty of nurturing both personal and community growth.
Julie Smith
Youth Program Coordinator
Julie Smith has been an educator for over 30 years. She left traditional classroom teaching and started Flourish Educational Services after realizing that there are numerous children and families who need additional coaching, strategies, and advocacy. She specializes in helping children be successful in their educational setting as well as helping homeschooling families determine curriculum and structure to meet their needs. She believes in working with parents and children to find integrated, whole-child strategies to support children. Working with Yes Arts allows her to follow her passion for working with children while engaging in activities where children are supported and encouraged to be who they are.
She and her husband moved to Frankfort, Kentucky from Northern California in December 2021 after falling in love with The Bluegrass State. She has three adult daughters (two of which now live in Frankfort) and two dogs. She loves gardening, arts and crafts, exploring and learning about Kentucky, and traveling in her free time. Feel free to provide recommendations for places to go and see in the area!
Youth Program Leaders
Youth mentors
Becky Bobba
Data Analyst and SAMHSA Project Director
Michele Blevins
Grants Consultant
Kat Deiter
Development Specialist
Jackie Gordon Duvall
Black Women Artists of Frankfort
Program Coordinator
Board of Directors
Chair - Marian Hayden
Vice Chair - Maria Bartholomew
Treasurer - Ryan Newcomb
Mary Cardwell
Chip Peal
Paola Roe
Fran Redmon
Advisory - Doris Thurber
Founding Team
Doris Thurber
Founding Artist & Advisory Member
Joanna Hay
Founding Artist
Jennifer Zingg
Founding Artist
Amelia Berry
Founding Executive Director
Karen Kimmel Hatter
Founding Instructional Director
Rebekah Berry
Founding Data & Website Specialist
Jeri Katherine Howell
Founding Prevention Consultant